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Spirited Away Analysis

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In Hayao Miyazaki’s breathtaking film, Spirited Away we are introduced to 10-year-old Chihiro and her parents who stumble upon a seemingly abandoned amusement park. After her mother and father turn into giant pigs, Chihiro meets the mysterious Haku, who explains the park is a resort for the supernatural beings who need a break from the earthly realm, and that she must work there to free herself and her parents. Our young protagonist is shown to be a childish, easily-scared, and whiny girl. But after her experiences at the bathhouse and the Spirit World, she will mature into a capable adult. Chihiro’s growth into a capable individual is a core factor to the movement of Spirited Away’s plot.
Spirited Away begins with a quick paced car ride in which we meet the young protagonist, Chihiro. A melancholy child whom ironically holds a bouquet of bright flowers to her chest, which we learn was a farewell gift from her friend on Chihiro’s moving day. Chihiro and her parents stumble upon a ominous tunnel as they search for their new home. The tunnel lures Chihiro’s parents inside, causing the young child to quickly rush and cling to her mother in fear of being alone, like any child would. Upon entering the Spirit World, they stumble upon a festive amusement park that has seemingly just been abandoned. During this scene Chihiro’s parents morph into gluttonous pigs, consumed by their own greed and hunger upon eating offerings that were meant for the spirits. Young Chihiro now left

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